Mobile device customizer

ABSTRACT

A method and system for customizing a mobile host device is disclosed. An accessory device for interfacing with and customizing a mobile host device includes a communication channel designed to establish a bi-directional communication link between the accessory device and the host device. The accessory device also includes a processor communicatively coupled to the communication channel. The processor is designed to execute a plurality of applications. In addition, the accessory device includes an input assembly communicatively coupled to the processor. The input assembly is designed to minimize a total number of input elements included in the input assembly. Further, at least a first input element being selectively mapped to one or more input functions of the host device based on a user selection.

This application is a continuation-in-part to co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/249,009, filed on Oct. 11, 2005. The contents ofthe U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/249,009 are incorporated in itsentirety by reference. This application is also related to co-pendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/699,555, filed on Oct. 31, 2003, andco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/221,412, filed Sep. 6,2005.

BACKGROUND

The following description relates to hand-held input accelerationdevices for interfacing with electronic devices, such as cellularphones, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), pocket personal computers,smart phones, hand-held game devices, bar code readers, MP3 players andother similar input devices having a keypad or one or more inputelements, and also relates to human interface and input systems for usewith the hand-held acceleration devices.

Electronic devices have become increasingly sophisticated and physicallysmaller due in part to a decrease in the price of processing power and aconcurrent increase in demand by consumers for smaller devices. Suchdevices, however, tend to be limited in function and utility by theuser's ability to interface with the device for data input (e.g., text,numeric, and functional input) and/or device control, which becomesincreasingly more difficult to do as the available space on the device'ssurface for positioning the input elements, which are used for datainput and/or device control, continues to decrease.

Moreover, as the use of applications such as text centric applications(e.g., inputting data for e-mail, instant messaging, SMS, and MMS), listnavigation applications (e.g. 1-D or 2-D navigation such as scrollingdown a long list of songs to choose a song), and game applications (e.g.steering a car in a first person driving game) increases, the keypad onelectronic devices, such as a cellular phone, is increasingly becoming abottleneck to speed, accuracy and ease of data entry. playing games,picking items from long lists, web browsing, and launching applications.

For example, many hand-held electronic devices, in particular cellularphones, typically use a D-pad as the primary way to navigate up and downa list of items, such as a list of songs, on an item-by-item basis. Suchitem-by-item scrolling, however, is typically inefficient in navigatingfrom the first item in the list to the last item in the list, especiallyif the list includes hundreds of items. Although most of theseelectronic devices provide the user with page up and page downfunctionality, which permits the user the scroll a number of items atonce, e.g., some applications may associate ten items per page, oftentimes such page up and page down functionality must be executed throughmultiple taps or presses of one or more input elements, typically thosemaking up the keypad. The particular number of taps or number of inputelements required to evoke such page up and down functionality typicallydepends on the application developer's preference, and therefore oftendiffer from application to application within the same electronicdevice. Even the same application may be implemented using differentuser interfaces in different hand-held electronic devices.

Various human interface and input systems and techniques for hand-heldelectronic devices have been developed for data input and devicecontrol. These include miniature keyboards and keypads used incombination with chordal input techniques, modal input techniques and/orsmart keys; and touch screens used in combination with on-screenkeyboard or keypad software or hand-writing recognition software.Additionally, for gaming, some hand-held electronic devices, such ascellular phones, have incorporated miniature thumb joysticks on the faceof the device itself in lieu of the directional navigation pad (D-pad).

Keyboard or Key pad Used with Chordal, Modal and Smart Key Techniques

Miniature keyboards and keypads are similar to their standard full-sizeversions—i.e., a keyboard generally has a full set or substantially fullset of numeric, character, and functional input elements, while key padstypically have a reduced set of numeric, character and/or functionalinput elements compared to keyboards. These miniature input devicestypically are designed to fit the available space on one surface of ahand-held electronic device or are designed as small, easilytransportable, external plug-in devices. Thus, as hand-held electronicdevices become smaller, the size of the input elements typically hasbeen reduced in order for the desired number of input elements to fit onone surface of the electronic device.

For data input and device control, miniature keyboards and keypadstypically either require one of two input techniques—use of one or morethumbs or fingers to press the desired input elements or use of a stylusto “peck” the desired input elements (which is usually done where theinput element is of smaller size). Various techniques, such as chordalinput techniques, modal input techniques and smart keys, have beendeveloped and implemented to improve the efficiency and effectiveness ofusing miniature keyboards and keypads.

Chordal Input Techniques

Chordal input techniques generally are based upon the principle thatcharacters, symbols, words, phrases or concepts can be represented by areduced set of input elements. Thus, by only having to press a reducedcombination of input elements, functionality can be increased andquicker and more accurate data input can be realized. Chordal inputtechniques can be used on any keyboard or keypad configuration or anydevice having more than one input element, and typically results infewer input elements or more functions compared to conventionalkeyboards or keypads. An example of an electronic device usingtwo-handed chordal input techniques is a court reporter orstenographer's typewriter. One chordal input technique using a keypad todecrease the number of actuations to achieve a large number of functionsis described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,621 to Levy, entitled “Compact KeyedInput Device,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

Modal Input Techniques

Modal input techniques are based on the concept that functions of theelectronic device, e.g., text messaging in a cell-phone or PDA, can beaccessed by pressing a particular input element (or combination ofelements) on a keyboard or keypad. Once that particular input element ispressed, the functionality of all or a portion of the input elements onthe keyboard or keypad may change. Modal techniques typically are usedin calculators, cellular phones, and PDAs. For example, in cellularphones, a modal technique called multi-tap is common, in whichindividual input elements on the keypad are associated with multiplesymbols, such as characters, letters, numbers, icons or other types ofsymbols, which tends to reduce the number of input elements required toachieve the desired functions, e.g., a twelve-input-element keypad canbe used to represent all letters of the English alphabet and the decimaldigits. A user can input a desired symbol within a set of symbolsassociated with a certain input element by tapping on that particularinput element with a thumb, finger, or stylus, one or more times toinput the desired character. Thus, if a user desires to send a textmessage, the user may press a functional input element, e.g., a modekey, to access the text messaging functionality of the cellular phoneand then tap an individual input element one or more times to select theassociated symbol for input. The number of taps needed to input aparticular symbol may differ depending on the language character setchosen. For example, Japanese keypad or keyboards typically require aminimum set of 46 characters for text input, while English or Americankeyboards and keypads usually require a minimum set of 26 characters fortext input. These modal input techniques have gained some popularity asusers perform more text functions, but these techniques can becumbersome because to access some letters or characters, an inputelement on the keypad may have to be tapped three or four times. Also,in hand-held devices with a keypad, such as a cellular phone, thesemodal input techniques typically rely on the user's thumb, which is notgenerally as dexterous as the user's fingers.

Smart Keys

Smart keys are typically used on keypads and refer to a single key orcombination of keys that, when pressed, predict the users next logicalaction. Some implementations work better than others and someapplications reduce the number of keystrokes required to complete afunction better than others. Word-predictor software, for example,attempts to predict the word or character the user intends to inputbased upon one or more letters inputted by the user and the likelyprobabilities within a given language. The probability of the softwareguessing correctly increases with the length of the word or number ofletters or characters inputted. In a device using smart keys on thekeypad, a user may tap the keys 2, 2 and 8 in sequence to generate theword “cat” and the device would display that word first because it isusually the most common combination, whereas the word “bat,” which canbe generated by pressing the same keys, would not be displayed firstbecause it is not as common. Also, the word “cat” may be displayed afterpressing the 2 key the second time based on a guess by theword-predictor software.

Smart keys also are typically used for Japanese data input where a userphonetically inputs letters representing the sound of the Japanesecharacter (e.g., a Kanji character). Based on the inputted letters, thepredictor software guesses the Japanese character. To select thecharacter, a user would press the accept button or use the scrollingfunction to go to the next character with a similar set of phoneticinputs.

Touch Screen Using On-Screen Keyboard or Handwriting RecognitionSoftware

Using on-screen keyboard or keypad software with a touch screen offersusers the ability to enter data with fingers or thumbs on a screen-sizedkeyboard or buttons, allowing faster data input without a stylus orphysical keyboard or keypad accessory; while using handwritingrecognition software with a touch screen, such as Graffiti™ on the Palmoperating system, offers users the ability to enter text with a stylusby writing the text directly on the touch screen. Touch screens usuallyconsume more power and are more expensive than non touch-sensitivescreens. This higher power consumption can be a problem for hand-heldelectronic devices, which typically have limited power resources.Moreover, touch screens usually require the user to use both hands(e.g., one hand is used to hold and steady the device while the otherhand is used to grasp the stylus), which is generally undesirable forinterfacing with and controlling one handed hand-held electronic device,such as cellular phones. Handwriting recognition software has improvedthe slowness and awkwardness inherent in stylus, finger or thumb inputbut other drawbacks still remain, such as high power consumption, thenecessity to use both hands, and lack of tactile feedback to inform auser when an input element has been. Moreover, recognition softwarerequires training to use properly, and, even then, still results in ahigh error rate.

Game Control

For game control, many of the above approaches have been used, but inmost hand-held electronic devices, a user typically controls game playthrough the use of some form of input element, such as on a miniaturekeypad and/or D-pad, which typically is located on the front surface ofthe device. Game control on some hand-held electronic devices, such ascellular phones, is inherently one handed or at most two thumbed becauseof the size of the device, while game control on other hand-heldelectronic devices, such as PDAs and conventional game consolecontrollers, is typically two-handed. The input elements associated withgame control on these devices are typically digital, particularly theD-pad, even though analog input elements have been used on gamecontrollers for PC and console game systems, such as Microsoft's Xbox orSony's Play Station 2.

Child-Friendly Mobile Devices

Some of the mobile handset manufacturers have designed special mobilehandsets designed for children. These handsets typically limit thenumber of available buttons. For example, in lieu of a full numerickeypad, navigation keys, and other user input elements, these handsetstend to have just a few buttons to execute certain functions. Forexample, the FireFly™ child phone has a “mommy” and “daddy” button, aphone book button that stores a few numbers, as well as keys forstarting and ending a call. The LG Migo™ and the Wherifone™ phones havefour or five programmable keys to allow the parent to program in a phonenumber for the child to use. The Tic Talk™ phone has no buttons on theface of the phone. The parent typically can set up a list of people orphones (with phone numbers attached) for the child to call, and thechild simply scrolls through a list using two input elements on the sideto select the person to call. These products tend to be designed withbright attractive colors that are appropriate for the age group they arebeing marketed to. The Tic Talk™ phone also is provided with preloadedgames that the child can play.

Alternatively, a conventional mobile handset can be obtained fromcellular operators that can be limited in functionality and usage. Aparent can program a child's handset with a list of phone numbers torestrict the outbound calls from the child's handset to the phonenumbers on the list. For example, the child may dial 911, and thenumbers of their parents and grandparents, but they may not dial anyoneelse's number even if the child dialed the number manually on thekeypad. The parent may also lock out access to the phone during certainperiods of time in the day. For example, the parent can set up the phonesuch that the child may not dial or send text messages to any numberexcept 911 during the time the child is supposed to be in school.Disney® Mobile is an example of a family oriented service thatspecifically caters to parents who wish to monitor or manage the mobilehandset usage of their children.

There are also non-handset products that are designed for children. TheChatNow™ handset from Hasbro® is essentially a walkie talkie thatprovides voice communication and text messaging without the expense of aservice plan. The ChatNow handset is designed to look and work like amobile handset but uses radio communications with an operating range ofa two mile radius.

SUMMARY

The present inventors recognized that conventional human interface andinput systems for hand-held electronic devices tended to be relativelyinflexible, cumbersome, and inefficient to use, among other reasons,because they were not designed to take advantage of the biomechanics ofthe human hand, particularly the advantages associated with theopposition of the thumb to the fingers and the beneficial attributes ofthe thumb, e.g., its large range of motion and ability to impart largesustained forces, and the beneficial attributes of the fingers, e.g.,their fine motor control, spatial memory and rapidity of motion.

The present inventors also recognized that the input techniquesdeveloped to improve the efficiency of data input and device control,such as chordal and modal techniques, were limited by the inefficienciesinherent in conventional input systems. For example, miniature keyboardsand keypads used in combination with chordal input techniques not onlyrequired the user to memorize numerous input combinations and developthe necessary motor skills to control a reduced number of input elementsto provide even more complex functionality compared to typical QWERTYkeyboards, but also did not use or allocate input tasks to the fingersand thumb of the human hand effectively. Moreover, miniature keyboardsand keypads used in combination with modal input techniques tended tolimit the user's ability to efficiently input data depending on thenumber of taps required to input a particular symbol and how fast theuser could tap the input element with his thumb or a stylus to selectthe particular symbol.

The present inventors also recognized that, with the emergence ofmultimedia capabilities, such as MP3, in many hand-held electronicdevices, there is a need to support fast and intuitive scrolling andlist navigation actions. For example, many hand-held electronic devices,in particular cellular phones, typically use a D-pad as the primary wayto navigate up and down a list of items, such as a list of songs, on anitem-by-item basis. Such item-by-item scrolling, however, is typicallyinefficient in navigating from the first item in the list to the lastitem in the list, especially if the list includes hundreds of items.Moreover, the page up and page down functionality provided on many ofthese devices to make it easier for a user to navigate long lists ofitems often must be executed through multiple taps or presses of one ormore input elements. The particular number of taps or number of inputelements required to evoke such page up and down functionality usuallydepends on the application developer's preference, and therefore oftendiffers from application to application within the same electronicdevice.

The present inventors also recognized that a user's ability to controlgame play in such devices was greatly limited. For example, while analoggame control has been available to users of PC and console game systems,analog game control generally has not been widely available on hand-heldelectronic devices, such as cellular phones and PDAs. As noted above,most high end games that run on a gaming platform such as the Xbox orthe Play Station 2 involve analog or continuous inputs from one or moreinput elements, such as a miniature or full sized joystick. Cellularphones and PDAs, in contrast, provide only buttons or keys as inputelements for game play. Moreover, to the present inventors knowledge,there are no standards for input element layout for cellular phones, orin the way that the input elements are mapped to gaming functions. Forexample, often times, the D-pad provided on most of these cellularphones is not available to the game developer to use as a game input.The result is that directional movement input is often provided usingthe number input elements on the keypad, particularly the “2”, “8”, “4”,and “6” input elements on the keypad for up, down, left and rightdirectional movement. The present inventors recognized that this layoutpresents several problems. First, the input is discrete, so there is noway to provide a continuous input, such as steering a car in a firstperson driving game. In such as game, the car can be steered to moveonly left, straight, or right in preset increments, which severelylimits the quality of the gaming experience. Second, directionalmovement is provided by the number input elements while the clearlylabeled arrow keys on the D-pad remain unused. This typically requiresgetting used to and may create user confusion. Third, the number inputelements are typically located on one end of the phone's surface, andare thus less comfortable to use than the D-pad which is typicallylocated above the number input elements. The result is that game play islimited and not as widely adopted as it might be with a betterinterface.

The present inventors have further recognize that conventional mobilehandsets are often too complex to be practical for a young child's use,and the expense of the service plan associated with the mobile handsetscan often be prohibitive. The special mobile handsets, while easier fora young child's use, are typically expensive and can be prone to beingoutgrown by the child as he grows older.

Consequently, the present inventors have developed a flexible andefficient human interface and input system and techniques that may beimplemented on a variety of small hand-held accessory devices or “inputaccelerator” devices, such as a key fob or remote control. An inputaccelerator device or an accessory device may connect to one or moreconventional hand-held electronic devices (i.e., a host electronicdevice), such as a cellular phone, PDA, pocket PC, smart phone, MP3player, or other similar devices using a wired or wireless communicationprotocol, such as Bluetooth, and remotely control all functions of theconnected host electronic devices. The accessory device may be used inconjunction with the input elements on the host electronic device toaccelerate the user's ability to perform functions such as text input,game play, list navigation and scrolling. Alternatively, the accessorydevice can even eliminate the need to directly interface with theinefficient human interface and input systems of the connected hostelectronic devices. The accessory device may also be implemented toinclude various hybrid devices including a wireless headset in additionto the functions of a remote control. The accessory device (whether onehanded or two handed) may also be implemented to utilize the opposedthumb and finger ergonomics inherent in the hand and the skills alreadydeveloped for using conventional input techniques to accomplish datainput, list navigation, device control, and game control in a timely,efficient, comfortable, fun, and intuitive manner. Thus, no specializedtraining beyond that normally expected with any newly purchasedhand-held device is expected. Further, the accessory device can beprovided with a specially designed user interface that is appropriatefor a young child's use. This child friendly accessory device can beimplemented to customize and control a conventional mobile handset foryoung children. Any regular mobile handset may thus be converted to achild-friendly communication device that allows a child to stay in touchwith his or her caregivers, or an elderly person to stay in touch withtheir families at all times. The device can work with many pre-existingmobile handsets, making the cost of ownership far lower than anyexisting products with cellular network coverage. This inventionpromotes personal security and peace of mind to members of society whoare vulnerable to unsafe situations.

Implementations of the human interface and input system and techniquesfor the accessory device described here may include various combinationsof the following features.

In one aspect, an accessory device for interfacing with a mobile hostdevice includes a communication channel designed to establish abi-directional communication link between the accessory device and thehost device. The accessory device also includes a processorcommunicatively coupled to the communication channel. The processor isdesigned to execute a plurality of applications. In addition, theaccessory device includes an input assembly communicatively coupled tothe processor. The input assembly is designed to minimize a total numberof input elements included in the input assembly. Further, at least afirst input element being selectively mapped to one or more inputfunctions of the host device based on a user selection.

In another aspect, an accessory device is designed by providing acommunication channel used to transmit data bi-directionally between ahost device and the accessory device. Also, a storage unit is beprovided to communicatively couple to the communication channel. Thestorage unit is designed to store one or more data. Further, on one ormore surfaces, an input assembly is disposed. The input assemblyincludes various input elements designed to receive human input throughmanipulation of the input elements. At least one of the input elementsis further designed to be selectively mapped to one or more functions ofthe host device. In addition, an accessory processor is provided tocommunicatively couple to the storage unit, the communication channel,and the input assembly. The accessory processor is designed to executethe one or more data.

In yet another aspect, various host devices can be controlled byproviding an accessory device. The accessory device includes acommunication channel designed to transmit data bidirectionally betweenthe plurality of host devices and the accessory device. The accessorydevice also includes a storage unit communicatively coupled to thecommunication channel. The storage unit is designed to store variousdata. The accessory device further includes an input assembly includingvarious input elements. At least a first input element is designed to beselectively mapped to one or more input functions of the host device.The accessory device also includes a processor communicatively coupledto the communication channel and the input assembly, wherein theprocessor is operable to process one or more data. Further, various hostdevices can be controlled by actuating at least the first input elementto control at least a first selectively mapped function of the hostdevice using the communication channel.

Implementations can optionally include one or more of the followingfeatures. The accessory device can also include an output unitcommunicatively coupled to the processor. The output unit is designed tooutput an output data based on a user activation of at least the firstinput element. The output unit can include a speakerphone. Further, theaccessory device can include a storage unit communicatively coupled tothe communication channel, with the storage unit designed to storevarious data. In some instances, the storage unit includes a removablememory unit including a SD memory card, a mini-SD memory card, amicro-SD memory card, and a compact flash card. Also, the communicationchannel can be designed to transmit both data and voice communication.In addition, the communication channel can be designed to interface withone or more additional accessory devices. Also, the communicationchannel can further include a wireless data connection including atleast one of a Bluetooth connection, an Infrared connection, a Wi-Ficonnection, and a WiMAX connection. Also, the accessory device of claimcan include a global positioning system (GPS) unit communicativelycoupled to the processor. The GPS unit is designed to transmitpositioning data of the accessory device to the host device. The inputassembly can be further designed to optimize a biomechanical effect ofthe human user's opposing thumb and fingers.

The input accelerator device and human interface and input systems andtechniques described herein may provide one or more of the followingadvantages. The human interface and input system and associatedtechniques offer the functionality of a high performance gamecontroller, which can support the most demanding game inputrequirements, and the speed and accuracy of data input that can beobtained with the use of a conventional standard QWERTY keyboard, butwithout the large footprint. Also, the human interface and input systemand associated techniques can increase the number of functions that maybe associated with a given number of input elements without increasingthe number of keystrokes or taps that is required. Moreover, it allowsthe input element size to remain consistent with the ergonomics of thehuman hand without increasing the time it takes to learn how to use theinput system compared to conventional input systems.

Implementing the human interface and input system and techniques on aninput accelerator device can eliminate the need to interface withinflexible, cumbersome, and inefficient input systems provided withconventional hand-held electronic devices. Since the input acceleratordevice can connect to multiple hand-held electronic devices using wiredor wireless communication protocols a singled input accelerator devicecan make up for deficiencies of multiple conventional hand-heldelectronic devices. Thus, the input accelerator device can eliminate theneed to retrofit or redesign conventional hand-held electronic devicesto directly implement the disclosed human interface and input system andassociated techniques. In addition, the input accelerator device can besmall and aesthetically valuable as a fashion accessory. For example,the input accelerator device may be implemented to include logos ofsports teams or cartoon characters in addition to a wide selection ofcolors. The input accelerator device also may be easily attached to akeychain or a phone leash or clipped on or carried in a pocket or purse.

In addition, an accessory device for customizing a host mobile device asdescribed herein can provide a fresh user interface (UI) and featuresfor the host mobile device and bypass the inherent UI and functionalityof the host mobile device. The accessory device also provides a small,hand-held, and low-cost mobile device for customizing the UI of apreexisting conventional mobile device without having to modify orreplace the conventional mobile device. The customizable accessorydevice can be designed to provide a user interface and a set offunctionality appropriate for a target demographic (e.g., youngchildren). The accessory device provides a simpler UI for a child's use,and the parent can pair the accessory device with a conventional mobilehandset. Thereafter, the functionality on the mobile handset can beeasily controlled by the child interfacing with the accessory device.The accessory device can also include walkie-talkie functionalities toallow a parent to communicate with a child equipped with the accessorydevice without incurring air time fees. Further, the accessory devicecan include a global positioning system (GPS) unit to assist the parenttrack the location of the child. In addition to helping children stay intouch with their parents and get emergency help when needed, the subjectmatter disclosed herein can also be applied to provide an easy-to-usemobile interface for other demographics, such as elderly persons orpersons with conditions resulting in special cognitive and userinterface needs.

Details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features and advantages willbe apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hand-held input accelerator device uponwhich the human interface and input system may be implemented.

FIG. 2 is another block diagram of a hand-held input accelerator deviceupon which the human interface and input system may be implemented.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the human interface and input system.

FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of the input assembly of the humaninterface and input system.

FIGS. 5 a-d show front, side, and back views, respectively, of ahand-held input accelerator device wherein a second input assemblyincludes a pressure sensor arrays having a plurality of configurableactive areas.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate implementation of the second inputassembly on a hand-held input accelerator device.

FIGS. 7 a-d depict one implementation of a hand-held input acceleratordevice comprising a combination of a remote control and a wirelessheadset.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an accessory device for providing acustomized user interface.

FIGS. 9 a-b depict one implementation of an accessory device havingcustomized user interface.

FIGS. 9 c-d illustrate an accessory device for controlling voicecommunication functions of a host device.

FIG. 9 e depicts an accessory device customized to include a short radiotransceiver for communication with a host device or an additionalaccessory device.

FIG. 9 f depicts an accessory device customized to include a specializedform factor.

FIG. 9 g illustrates an accessory device customized to include a globalpositioning system (GPS) unit.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Biomechanics of the Human Hand

The human hand comprises an opposable thumb and four fingers, i.e., thethumb may be used in opposition, in concert, in combination orfunctional relation with any of the four fingers. Compared to the humanfingers, the human thumb may be characterized as having larger range ofmotion, stronger sustaining force actuation and poorer dexterity. Thehuman base joint of the thumb has three degrees of freedom, such asside-to-side movement, up and down movement, and rotation about thethumb's long axis; while the base joint of the fingers has two degreesof freedom, such as side-to-side and up and down movement. Thus, thethumb typically is considered to have better range of motion than any ofthe fingers. Also, because the human thumb has a bigger actuation musclethan any of the fingers, it can provide larger sustaining forces thanthe fingers. But also because of the larger muscle, the human thumb maysuffer from diminished fine motor control and rapidity of motion thatcan be exerted compared to the fingers. Thus, the human fingers are moresuitable for performing tasks that require fine motor coordination orthe ability to pinpoint or rapidly repeat actuation.

Hand-Held Input Accelerator Device Hardware Overview

FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of a hand-held input acceleratordevice 100 upon which the human interface and input system andassociated input techniques described herein may be implemented forcontrolling software applications stored and running on a hand-held hostdevice 117. The input accelerator device 100 is a companion auxiliarydevice to the hand-held host device 117, whereby a user may interfacewith the auxiliary device and the hand-held host device concurrently 117or the auxiliary device alone in lieu of the hand-held host device 117.The input accelerator device 100 is communicatively coupled to ahand-held host device 117, such as a cellular phone, PDA, pocket PC, orsmart phone, or other similar devices using a communication link 111,such as the Bluetooth protocol. The Bluetooth protocol is a short-range,low-power 1 Mbit/sec wireless network technology operated in the 2.4 GHzband, which is appropriate for use in piconets. A piconet can have amaster and up to seven slaves. The master transmits in even time slots,while slaves transmits in odd time slots. The devices in a piconet sharea common communication data channel with total capacity of 1 Mbit/sec.Headers and handshaking information are used by Bluetooth devices tostrike up a conversation and find each other to connect.

The communication link 111 alternatively may be a wired link usingstandard data ports such as Universal Serial Bus interface, IEEE 1394firewire, or other serial or parallel port connections. Additionally,the communication link 111 can be other standard wireless links such asinfrared, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), or any other wireless connection.Wi-Fi refers to any type of IEEE 802.11 protocol including 802.11a/b/g.Wi-Fi generally provides wireless connectivity for a device to theInternet or connectivity between devices. Wi-Fi operates in theunlicensed 2.4 GHz radio bands, with an 11 Mbit/sec (802.11b) or 54Mbit/sec (802.11a) data rate or with products that contain both bands.Infrared refers to light waves of a lower frequency out of range of whata human eye can perceive. Used in most television remote controlsystems, information is carried between devices via beams of infraredlight. The standard infrared system is called infrared data association(IrDA) and is used to connect some computers with peripheral devices indigital mode.

The communication link 111 connects a communication interface 116 of theinput accelerator device with a communication interface 118 of thehand-held host device 117. The input accelerator device 100 includes aninterface and input system 114 in communication with the communicationinterface 116. The interface and input system 114 includes inputelements (not shown), such as keys, buttons, pressure sensor pads, touchpads, rotary dials, thumb joysticks, linear strip sensors or otheractuators associated with one or more sensors that can be manipulated byone or both of a human user's thumbs or fingers. The input elements areselectively mapped to one or more functions of the software applicationsstored on the host device 100. The mapping or re-mapping of the inputelements to one or more functions of the software applications may beaccomplished by using one of the techniques disclosed in co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/221,412, entitled “A Method of Remappingthe Input Elements of a Hand-Held Device,” which is incorporated hereinin its entirety by reference.

In this implementation, the interface and input assembly 114 isimplemented with four input elements, but may be implemented with moreor fewer input elements. Upon actuation of an input element, anelectrical signal is generated by the input assembly 114. The generatedelectrical signal is converted into input signals 122, which aretransmitted over the communication link 111 to the hand-held host device117, which receives the input signals 122 through communicationinterface 118. The input signals 122 are processed by the hand-held hostdevice 117 to execute the software function mapped to the actuated inputelement. Typically, hand-held host device 117 has a processor (notshown), such as an ARM, OMAP, or other similar processor for processingthe input signals and the software applications stored and runningthereon.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an input accelerator device 200upon which the human interface and input system and associated inputtechniques described herein may be implemented. In this implementation,optional hardware components are implemented to configure a morepowerful auxiliary device to handle more of the processing duties fromthe hand-held host device 117 onto the input accelerator device 200. Theinput accelerator device 200 may be used in conjunction with thehand-held host device 117 to control software applications stored andrunning on the input accelerator device 200 itself. For example, in thisimplementation, the input accelerator device 200 may have stored andrunning thereon re-mapping software such as that described in co-pendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/221,412. As another example, theinput accelerator device 200 may have stored and running thereon anInternet browsing application, which may be used in combination withcommunication functionality provided with hand-held host devices, suchas the cellular communication protocols (e.g., CDMA or GSM/GPRS)provided with cellular phones, to browse the Internet.

The input accelerator device 200 is in wireless (or alternatively wired)communication with the hand-held host device 117. The hand-held hostdevice 117 may include some of the same components as shown for theinput accelerator device 200. In this implementation, the hand-held hostdevice 117 is a conventional cellular phone, but other types ofhand-held electronic devices may be used with the input acceleratordevice 200. The input accelerator device 200 may include a bus 202 orother communication mechanism for communicating information, and aprocessor 204, such as an ARM, OMAP or other similar processor, coupledwith bus 202 for processing information, such as one or more sequencesof one or more instructions, which may be embedded software, firmware,or software applications for controlling the hand-held host device 117,such as re-mapping software or text, gaming or scrolling applications,or any other software application.

The input accelerator device 200 also may include a main memory 206,such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device,coupled to bus 202 for storing information and instructions to beexecuted by processor 204. Main memory 206 also may be used for storingtemporary variables or other intermediate information during executionof instructions to be executed by processor 204. The input acceleratordevice 100 further may include a read only memory (ROM) 208 or otherstatic storage device coupled to bus 202 for storing static informationand instructions for processor 204. A storage device 210 may be providedand coupled to bus 202 for storing information and instructions for theprocessor 204. The storage device 210 can include a flash memory such asEEPROM, compact flash, or a similar storage unit for storing devicefirmware. Upgrades to the firmware can be easily downloaded through thehost device. The input accelerator device 200 may also include anoptional display 212, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), fordisplaying information to a user, and a human interface and input system114 for communicating information and command selections from a humanuser to processor 204. The command selections from a human user arecommunicated as input signals 122 from the interface and input system114 to the bus 202 for distribution to other components such as theprocessor 204. Input accelerator device 200 also may include acommunication interface 216 coupled to bus 202.

Communication interface 216 provides a two-way data communication 211coupling to the hand-held host device 117, a wireless service device, orwireless service station. The two-way data communication 211 allows foran exchange of interactive data between the hand-held host device 117and the input accelerator device 200. The interactive data may includevoice data for conducting a conversation using a cellular phone hostdevice. The interactive data may also include a graphical user interface(GUI) for browsing the Internet, which may be displayed on the optionaldisplay 212. In this implementation, the cellular phones host deviceserves as a communication conduit for receiving data from the Internetas previously mentioned. Communication interface 216 may be a wirelesslink such as Bluetooth or any other wireless communication interfaceknown to one of ordinary skill in the art. In the wireless linkimplementation, communication interface 216 may send and receiveelectrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital datastreams representing various types of information.

The input accelerator device 200 also can display a graphical userinterface (GUI) on the display unit 212 to provide a list of hand-heldhost devices 117 within communication range of the input acceleratordevice 200. The list of hand-held host devices 117 within communicationrange can be displayed using text names of each device, an iconrepresenting each device, or a combination of text name and iconrepresenting each device. The input elements in the input assemblies406, 408, 409 (described in detail in FIG. 4 below) can be actuated incombination or individually to select a desired hand-held host device117 from the list of devices in communication range of the inputaccelerator device 200.

The input accelerator device 100, 200 as described above can obviate theneed to remove the hand-held host device 117 from the user's pocket, bagor other storage location by performing most simple text/voice controlfunctions. The input accelerator device 100, 200 may also include adevice driver (not shown) to effect control over the host hand-helddevice 117 and all associated software applications on the hand-heldhost device 117.

Human Interface and Input System Overview

FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram of the subsystems of the human interfaceand input system 114 of the input accelerator device 100 or the inputaccelerator device 200. The human interface and input system 114, whichis described in more detail in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 10/699,555, entitled “Human Interface System,” which is incorporatedherein in its entirety by reference, includes an input assembly 305 incommunication with an input controller 316 to interpret and generateinput signals in response to user interaction with the input assembly305. The input assembly 305 can include multiple input assemblies(described in detailed below in FIG. 4), each assembly including anumber of input elements, located on one or more surfaces of the inputaccelerator device 100 or the input accelerator device 200. The inputelements are selectively mapped to one or more functions of a softwareapplication that is stored on the hand-held host device 117 so that whenone of the input elements is actuated, the function mapped to theactuated input element is executed.

Specifically, when an input element is actuated, one or more electricalsignals 312 are produced, which are received and interpreted by theinput controller 316. The input controller 316, which may include one ormore processors, receives the one or more electrical signals 312 andconverts them into input signals 122 which are transmitted to thehand-held host device 117 via communication link 111 connecting thecommunication interface 116 of the input accelerator device 100 with thecommunication interface 118 of the hand-held host device 117. Similarly,the input signals 122 are transmitted to the hand-held host device 117via communication link 211 connecting the communication interface 216 ofthe input accelerator device 200 with the communication interface 118 ofthe hand-held host device 117. In one implementation the hand-held hostdevice 117 interprets the input signals 122 on the fly using software,such as mapping software, to execute the function mapped to the actuatedinput element. Alternatively, the input accelerator device 200 mayinterpret the input signals 122 using software stored in the storageunit 210.

FIG. 4 illustrates one implementation of input assembly 305 includingmultiple input assemblies. The input assembly 305 includes a front inputassembly 406, a rear input assembly 408, and a side input assembly 409.The front input assembly 406 and the rear input assembly 408 includesone or more input elements. The input elements produce one or moreelectrical signals 312 upon actuation of the input elements. The inputcontroller 316, which may include one or more processors, receives theone or more electrical signals 312 and converts them into input signals122, which are in a form suitable to be received and interpreted by thehand-held host device 117. Alternatively the input signal 122 may beinterpreted by the processor 104 on the input accelerator device 200.

The hand-held host device 117 receives the input signals 122 andinterprets it using the re-mapping software noted above and described inmore detail below, which may be loaded on the host hand-held device.Specifically, the input signals 122 transmitted from the inputaccelerator device 100, 200 are received by a communication interface118 on the hand-held host device 117 using standard communicationsprotocols, such as the Bluetooth wireless protocol. The Bluetoothprotocol allows the input signals 122 transmitted from the inputaccelerator device 100, 200 to control execution of embedded software,firmware, or software applications, such as a text messaging or gameapplications, on the hand-held host device 117. The input signals 122are received and used by the hand-held host device 117 to map and remapthe input elements in the front input assembly 406, the rear inputassembly 408 and the side input assembly 409 to one or more softwarefunctions of a software application running on the host hand-held device117.

For example, if a text application is running on the hand-held hostdevice 117, then an input controller (not shown) on the hand-held hostdevice 117 maps one or more input elements on the hand-held host device117 (e.g., input elements forming the keypad on a cellular phone) to oneor more symbols, such as characters, letters, numbers, icons, othertypes of symbols, or combinations of different types of symbols, and mapone or more input elements of the front input assembly 406 on the inputaccelerator device 100, 200 to a shifting or indexing functionality.Thus, if a user wants to insert the letter “X”, the user may press afirst shift key on the input accelerator device 100, 200 and then thenumber key “9” on the hand-held host device 117. If the user wants toinsert the letter “Y”, the user may press a second shift key on theinput accelerator device 100, 200 and then the number key “9” on thehand-held host device 117. If the user wants to insert the letter “Z”,the user may press a third shift key on the input accelerator device100,200 and then the number key “9” on the hand-held host device 117 Soinstead of having to press the number key “9” on the hand-held hostdevice 117 three times to insert the letter “Z”, which is the norm onmost multi-tap interfaces, the user can insert the same letter with onepress of the number key “9” on the hand-held host device 117 incombination with one press of the third shift key on the inputaccelerator device 100, 200.

Also, one or more input elements of the rear input assembly 408 on theinput accelerator device 100, 200 can be mapped to scrolling,navigation, or cursor control functions. Furthermore, one or more inputelements of the side input assembly 409 can be mapped as a short-cut keyfor executing a favorite application on the host hand-held device 117,such as a text, game or music application. If the hand-held host device117 is executing a game application, then the input signals 122 may beused to control game play. That is, the input controller (not shown) onthe hand-held host device 117 may map the input elements of the inputassemblies 406, 408, 409 from the input accelerator device 100, 200 togame functions. The mapping of the input elements to particular inputfunctions for a given software application, whether done by an inputcontroller or processor on the hand-held host device 117 in response tothe input signals 122 transmitted by the input accelerator device 100,200, may be customized by the application developer or the user throughdownloads or other programming modalities. Moreover, the mapping of theinput elements may be done for language key set changes, which mayreduce the cost of manufacturing hand-held electronic devices formanufacturers servicing multiple countries.

Alternatively, the processor 204 of the input accelerator device 200 mayperform the mapping function described above and alleviate some of theprocessing burden of the hand-held host device 117. Moreover, the humaninterface and input system 114 need not have the input controller 316,particularly where cost is a concern. In those instances, the processor204 can directly receive the electrical signal 312 and interpret it intoa suitable input signal 122, which is mapped using the mappingtechniques noted above and described in more detail below.

The co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/221,412, describestechniques to selectively map and re-map the input elements on ahand-held electronic device optimally for a particular class ofapplication software with common requirements (e.g., games, text entry,music and scrolling) and/or for a particular user. These techniques mayalso be used to map and remap the input elements of the inputaccelerator device 100, 200 disclosed herein and/or the hand-held hostdevice 117. Alternatively, the input accelerator device 100, 200 maysimply transmit the input signals 122 in response to user manipulationof the input elements to the hand-held host device 117, where anapplication software executing on the hand-held host device 117interprets the input signals accordingly.

In one implementation, a technique for remapping a hand-held electronicdevice includes receiving configuration settings, which may include atleast one physical input element associated with at least one function,for a software application or a class of software applications;modifying a mapping function based on the configuration settings; andexecuting the function associated with the physical input element uponan activation, e.g., a press or actuation, of the physical input elementduring operation of the software application. The activation of thephysical input elements may be from the three input assemblies 406, 408,409 of the input accelerator device and/or the input assemblies of thehost hand-held devices. As described above, using standard wirelesscommunication protocols, such as Bluetooth, signals generated from thephysical activations of the input assemblies of the input acceleratordevice 100,200 is transmitted to the hand-held host device 117 tocontrol execution of specific software or software application. And inresponse to the execution of the software or software application by thesignal transmitted from the input accelerator device, mapping andremapping procedures are performed. The mapping function may comprise akeyboard device driver, a device layout or a translation layer of thekeyboard device driver, a combination of these or another mappingfunction.

In an implementation where the mapping function comprises a devicelayout, the step of executing the function associated with the physicalinput element upon an activation of the physical input element mayinclude writing a scan code to a buffer; retrieving the scan code fromthe buffer; converting the retrieved scan code to a virtual inputelement code using the modified device layout; calling a keyboard eventwith the scan code and the virtual input element code; and executing thefunction associated with the keyboard event, which is the functionassociated with the physical input element.

In an implementation where the mapping function comprises a translationlayer, the step of executing the function associated with the physicalinput element upon an activation of the physical input element mayinclude writing a scan code to a buffer; retrieving the scan code fromthe buffer; converting the scan code to an original virtual inputelement code; converting the original virtual input element code to anew input element code using the modified translation layer of thekeyboard device driver; calling a keyboard event with the scan code andthe new virtual input element code; and executing the functionassociated with the keyboard event, which is the function associatedwith the physical input element.

In another implementation, a method of re-configuring or re-mapping asoftware application or class of software applications may includeassociating one or more physical input elements disposed on the inputaccelerator device with at least a first executable function; andcausing a modification of a mapping function to form an association ofthe one or more physical input elements with a second executablefunction to an association of the one or more physical input elementswith the first executable function so that the first executable functionis configured to be initiated upon an activation of the one or morephysical input elements during operation of the software application orthe a software application within a class of software applications. Thesecond executable function is typically a default function typicallyprovided with the software application to be executed in the defaultstate when the one or more physical input elements are pressed oractivated.

In yet another implementation, a graphical user interface identifyingfunctions that are available to be associated with one or more physicalinput elements may be provided. The graphical user interface may alsoidentify software applications for which a user can select to apply hisphysical input element to function associations. In one instance thegraphical user interface may include input element icons, whichcorrespond to physical input elements, and function icons, whichcorrespond to an executable function. The user may then specify thefunctions to associate with physical input elements.

Hand-Held Input Accelerator Device Implementations

FIGS. 5 a-d illustrates front, side, back, and “hand-held” views,respectively, of a hand-held input accelerator device 500 upon which thehuman interface and input system may be implemented. In oneimplementation, the input accelerator device 500 is implemented as aremote control device including four planar or contoured surfaces: afront surface 502, a back surface 508, a left side surface 504, and aright side surface 306. Although, in other implementations, the inputaccelerator device 500 may have more or fewer planar and/or contouredsurfaces. The input accelerator device 500 may be a miniature standalonewireless accessory device that communicates with a variety of hand-helddevices such as a cellular phone, PDA, pocket PC, smart phone, laptop,or other similar devices through a wired or wireless communicationsprotocol, such as the Bluetooth wireless protocol.

As shown in FIG. 5 a, on the front surface 502, a display (not shown),such as an LCD, and a front input assembly 526 may be disposed adjacentto each other. Alternatively, the display may be on a separate assemblysuch as those displays for PDA's and cellular phones with aswivel-mounted screen or flip-phone configurations. Also, the frontinput assembly 526 may be disposed on more than one surface. The frontinput assembly 526 may include four input elements 510, 512, 514, and516, although any number of input elements may be provided, which may beactuated by a user's thumb or fingers. The input elements 510, 512, 514,and 516 may be mapped to function as shift or index keys, such as Shift1(510), Shift2 (512), Shift3 (514), and Shift4 (516), to facilitateshifting or indexing between symbols, such as characters, letters and/ornumbers, associated with input elements on the host electronic device,such as a keypad on a cellular phone or PDA. For example, on a hostelectronic device, such as a cellular phone, typically a keypad isprovided, which has a “7PQRS” key or input element. By using the inputaccelerator device 500, any one of these symbols—P, Q, R, and S—may beentered by tapping the appropriate input element 510, 512, 514, and 516and tapping the “7PQRS” key on the host electronic device. That is, the“P” character, e.g., can be entered on the host electronic device bypressing input element 510 (which is mapped as Shift1) and pressing the“7PQRS” key on the host electronic device. Likewise, the Shift2 inputelement 512 may be pressed with the “7PQRS” key to produce the “Q”character. The Shift3 input element 514 may be pressed with the “7PQRS”key to produce the “R” character. Pressing the “7” key without shiftkeys can either produce the number “7” or the “P” character depending onuser preference, which can be configured in software. The Shift4 inputelement 516 can be pressed with the “7PQRS” key to produce the “S”character. Thus, the need to tap the same key on the host devicemultiple times (i.e., three times) to enter, for example the “S”character” is eliminated. The implementation of multiple shift orindexing input elements as described above can dramatically improve thecomfort, accuracy and speed of text entry for a variety of hosthand-held device users.

As shown in FIG. 5 b, a rear input assembly 528 may be disposed on theback surface 308. In this implementation, the front input assembly 526(FIG. 5 a) is disposed relative to the rear input assembly 528 to takeadvantage of the opposition of the human thumb and finger.Alternatively, a user may flip over the input accelerator device to usethe rear input assembly his thumb instead of his fingers. The rear inputassembly 528 may include two sensor arrays configured in software torepresent one or more delineated active areas corresponding to differentprogrammable functions depending on the application. The sensor arraysmay include a ring-shaped curved sensor array 518 and a strip-shapedlinear sensor array 520. The curved sensor array 518 may be implementedto be swept sideways along a natural freedom of motion of a thumb (orfinger) to map horizontal cursor movements. In addition, the linearsensor array 520 may be swept vertically using the thumb (or finger) tomap vertical cursor movements or control the scroll bar in a longselection list. The curved 518 and linear 520 sensor arrays in thisimplementation may include an actuator, such as an elastomeric material,attached to a force sensitive resistor array, a capacitive mat or array,or other similar pressure sensitive device or grid that can providemultiple outputs corresponding to the pressure readings of a pluralityof active areas on the sensor arrays. In another configuration of thepressure sensor arrays 518, 520, the entire surface of the sensor arrays518, 520 may be covered by rectangular active areas interspersed betweensmall rectangular inactive areas to achieve any desired number of activeareas. Other configurations of the pressure sensor arrays 518, 520 maybe realized depending on the requirements of the desired application.

Alternatively, the rear input assembly 528 can be free of sensors andthe input elements on the front input surface 502 may be programmed insoftware to allow the user to stroke the linear sensor array 520 up ordown to effect a vertical scrolling motion in list selection. Thisimplementation facilitates the user in navigating through long listsefficiently and effectively without any additional sensors on the back.Additionally, the front 502 or back 508 input surfaces can optionallyprovide access to a miniature thumb joystick with analog inputs in bothleft-right and up-down directions. This thumb joystick can provideanalog signals to control a game on the mobile phone host device 117.

The side input assembly 529 may be disposed on the left-side surface 504and/or the right-side surface 506 as shown in FIGS. 5 a-c. The left sidesurface 504 and right side surfaces 506 of the input accelerator 300 maybe implemented to include additional input or selection elements 522,524, 526, 528, which may be used to map to other types of cellular phonefunctions using re-mapping techniques described above and in theco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/221,412. The input orselection elements of the side input assembly 529 can also beimplemented to effect shifting between modes. For example, holding downone of the input or selection elements 522, 524, 526, 528 may act as ashortcut key whereby a favorite application such as short messageservice (SMS), instant messenger (IM) or music may be activated. Holdingdown one of the selection elements may also act as a shortcut key toactivate cellular phone functions such as phone number search andselect, phone number dial, and call answer. Two of the input orselection elements 522, 524 may be implemented for left-handed users andthe other two selection elements 526, 528 for right-handed users.

It is to be understood that the input elements 510, 512, 514, 516 of thefront input assembly 526, the side input elements 522, 524, 526, 528 ofthe side input assembly 529, and the back input elements 518, 510 of therear input assembly 528 in this implementation and any otherimplementation may be analog and/or digital buttons, keys, rockers(which may be a one or more position buttons or an analog joystick-typebutton), sliders, dials or touch pads used in combination with pressuresensors (such as force sensitive resistors, piezoelectric resistivesensors, and capacitive sensors), positional sensors (such as rotaryencoders, linear potentiometers and the like), miniature analog thumbjoysticks or other sensors or a combination of them.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative implementation of the rear inputassembly 408. Input element 610 is implemented as a conventional rotarydial (such as the Blackberry thumb wheel), which may be used to controlhorizontal and vertical cursor, scroll, and/or navigation movements. Inother implementations, other sensors as described above may be utilizeddepending upon the user age and application categories to be covered.

FIGS. 7 a-d illustrates an implementation of the hand-held inputaccelerator device as a wireless headset. As shown in FIG. 7 a, theheadset 700 may be implemented to include a thumb wheel as input element710 on a front surface 730 that allows the user to scroll left andright. The front surface 730 may also include multiple input elements722, 724, which with the input element 710, comprise a front inputassembly. The front input elements 722, 724 may be actuated inconjunction with the input element 710 to perform object selectionswhile scrolling left and right.

As shown in FIG. 7 b, a back surface 760 of the headset 700 representsone implementation of a rear input assembly. The back surface 760 mayinclude a linear sensor array 720 to facilitate vertical scrolling,selection from long lists, and navigation operations. The input elementsand active areas on the four surfaces may be substantially similar tothose as described above.

FIGS. 7 b and 7 c also illustrate a left side surface 740 and a rightside surface 750 on which is disposed a side input assembly of theheadset 700, which may be configured to include at least four sideselection elements 712, 714, 716, 718 to facilitate shifting or indexingbetween modes and text input. The selection elements may be mapped toshortcuts to variety of functions, such as dialing and answering a call.Two of the selection elements 712, 714 may be implemented forleft-handed users and the other two selection elements 716, 718 forright-handed users.

FIG. 7 d depicts the headset 700 being used as a remote control. Thatis, by integrating the remote control inputs into the headset 700, auser can remotely perform all functions of one or more host hand-heldelectronic devices using just the headset 700 that serves multiplefunctions. When talking or listening to music on a host device, such asa cellular phone, the headset 700 may be use as a regular headsetreceiving and transmitting audio signals through a speaker (not shown)and a microphone (not shown). When inputting text, the headset 700 maybe held in either or both hands and used to accelerate text entry. Whenexecuting applications on host devices, the thumb wheel 710 and thesensor array 720 may be used to navigate and scroll through long listsand icon arrays. Thus, the headset 700 with integrated remote controlmay be implemented to operate a host device, such as a cellular phone,without ever removing the host device from its storage location (e.g.,the user's pocket, jacket, backpack or purse).

Customizing a Host Device for Specialized Use

An accessory or input accelerator device as describe in FIGS. 1-7 abovecan be implemented to interface with various host devices to controlinput functions and/or transfer data between the accessory device andthe host devices. Data as used in this specification can includeinformation needed for communication purposes, information needed forinstalling, starting and interacting with software applications whichreside on a host device, and other types of mobile content which resideon the host device. Data for communication purposes can include:information to initiate, sustain and terminate a voice call on a mobiledevice (e.g. pre-programmed phone numbers, start, stop, phone book entryselection, volume control); information for sending text messages viaShort Messaging Service (SMS); and locative information sent to asecurity service provider such as Campus Police, or a 911 dispatcher inthe case of an emergency. Data for installing, starting and runningapplications can include actual applications delivered from theaccessory device to the host device, or information required to run avariety of applications, including productivity software (e.g. wordprocessors, messaging applications, enterprise software etc.) or gamingsoftware (e.g. card games, casino games, driving games, first personshooter games, role playing games, etc.). Other mobile content residenton the host device can include visual content (e.g., wallpaper,pictures, etc.), music files (e.g., MP3 songs, MIDI files, WAV files,ringtones, alerts, etc.), multimedia files (e.g., video clips, etc.),address book entries (e.g., names, addresses, numbers, email addresses,etc.), calendar entries, documents (e.g., presentation files, textfiles, etc.), computer commands or instructions, voice data, etc. Anaccessory device can interface with a hand-held host device such as amobile phone, an iPod, an MP3 player, a PDA, etc. In someimplementations, the accessory device can interface with other suitableconsumer electronics host devices such as a satellite radio, a lap top,a desk top, a video game console, a television, a DVD player, and astereo system.

In one aspect, an accessory device can be implemented to provide acustomized user interface for controlling a host device. The userinterface can be customized to facilitate control of the host device bya special user. A special user can include a child, the visuallyimpaired, an elderly, and other users who may benefit from a customizeduser interface. FIG. 8 illustrates a functional block diagram of anaccessory device 800 implemented to provide a customized user interfacefor such a special user. The accessory device 800 as disclosed in thisspecification can include features similar to the input accelerators 100and 200 described with reference to FIGS. 1-4 above. The accessorydevice 800 includes a processor 802, a storage unit 810, a communicationchannel 814, an input unit 822, and an output unit 820. These featuresof the accessory device 800 are communicatively connected to each otherthrough a data bus 812. The host device 850 can include conventionalmobile device features including a host processor 860, a communicationchannel 862, and a transceiver 864 for connecting to a mobile voice anddata network 880 through an appropriate communication protocol 818.

The accessory device 800 interfaces with a hand-held host device 850 byinitiating a communication link through the two communication channels814 and 862. The communication channels 814 and 862 are compatible withvarious wireless communication media 830 as described with respect toFIGS. 1-4 above. For example, a wireless connection can include a WiFi,a Bluetooth, a WiMax, an IR, or a short range radio connection. Thecommunication channel 814 is capable of establishing a bidirectionalcommunication link between the accessory device 800 and the hand-heldhost device 850. In one implementation, the communication channel 814includes two separate channels, one for voice data (A) and one fornon-voice data (B). In an alternative implementation, the communicationchannel 814 can transmit both voice and non-voice data using a singlechannel.

The input unit 822 can be implemented to include an input assemblyhaving multiple user input elements. As described with reference toFIGS. 1-7 d above, the input assembly can be designed to includemultiple input assembly units with each input assembly unit disposed ona different surface of the accessory device 800. The user input elementscan be selectively mapped to multiple user input functions using methodsdescribed with respect to FIGS. 1-7 d above. Mapping the user inputelements can be performed to provide a customized user interface forcontrolling the host device 850.

FIG. 9 illustrates one implementation of an accessory device 900 havingcustomized user input elements 910. The customized user input elements910 are implemented to map to selected input functions of the hostdevice 950. When a user activates one of the user input elements 910selectively mapped to the selected input functions, a communication link920 is established for transferring data between the accessory device900 and the host device 950. The data transferred can include inputsignals corresponding to the activated input element. When the hostdevice receives the input signals transmitted from the accessory device,the host processor 860 interprets the received input signals andactivates any necessary application for executing the input functions ofthe host device 950.

An end user can determine and select the input functions to be mapped tothe input elements. FIG. 9 b illustrates a detail view of the accessorydevice 900 having input elements 910 a-f customized for a child tocontrol a select number of input functions of the host device 950. Forexample, the input elements 910 a-f of the accessory device 900 can bemapped to selected input functions of the host device 950, using mappingtechniques as described with reference to FIGS. 1-7 above, to simplifythe user interface for a child's use. The selectively mapped inputfunctions can include for example: 1) Start Call 910 a; 2) End Call andPower On/Off 910 b; 3) Call Mommy 910 d; 4) Call Daddy 910 c; 5) AccessPhone Book 910 e; and 6) Emergency/Panic 910 f. As shown in FIG. 9 b,the user input elements 9 a-f can include visual indicators (e.g., CallMommy button 910 d is displayed using an icon resembling a female figurein FIG. 9 b. A parent can pre-program the phone book button 910 e toinclude a short list of phone numbers (e.g. babysitter, grandparents) torestrict the outbound calls from a child's mobile handset (i.e., thehost device 950). The Phone Book 910 e includes at least those phonenumbers not directly mapped to the input elements 910 a-f. Theemergency/panic input element can be programmed so that the child has tohold down the emergency/panic input element for a given period of timebefore automatically dialing 911. This predetermined hold down periodcan be applied to prevent false alarms due to accidental actuations ofthe emergency/panic input element 910 f. In addition, the accessorydevice 900 can be designed to emit a loud warning sound whenever the 911call is issued to serve as a deterrent should a child find himself in achallenging situation.

Before programming the input elements 910 a-f to map to the abovedescribed or other input functions of the host device 950, acommunication link may be established between the accessory device 900and the host device 950 to verify and initialize appropriate systemsettings for both devices. Once the accessory device 900 is customizedas described above, a child need not interface with the host device 950(e.g., mobile handset) in order to make a call. In fact, the child cankeep the mobile handset 950 in his/her backpack or elsewhere when makinga call to his/her mom or dad, provided the mobile handset 950 is withinthe operating range of the communication link between the accessorydevice 900 and the mobile handset 950. To facilitate making phone callsusing the accessory device 900 directly, a microphone (not shown) and aspeaker (not shown) can be included with the accessory device 900. Forexample, a microphone can be included in the input unit 822 (See, FIG.8) and a speaker included in the output unit 820 (See, FIG. 8). FIG. 9 cshows a child using the accessory device 900 to make a phone call whilethe host device 950 (e.g., the mobile handset) is stored away in thebackpack. In some implementations, the accessory device 900 can alsoinclude a speakerphone when making a phone call as shown in FIG. 9 d.

In one aspect, an accessory device 900 as described in thisspecification can be implemented to perform function related to (1)voice communication between an accessory device and a host device or oneor more additional accessory devices; (2) transmitting data, asdescribed in this specification, between an accessory device and a hostdevice or one or more additional accessory devices using a wirelesscommunication link; and (3) short range voice communication between anaccessory device and a host device or one or more additional accessorydevices through the same wireless communication link used to transmitdata. The wireless communication link can include any conventionalwireless protocols, such as Bluetooth and in accordance with thosedescribed in this specification. For example, an accessory device 900can be implemented to take advantage of the wireless communicationmechanism used to transmit data between the accessory device and thehost device. The communication channel 814 (See, FIG. 8) can beimplemented to exchange voice data over a short range between theaccessory device 800 and the host device 850 in addition to the datatransmitted between the devices. This allows the accessory device tofunction as an walkie-talkie device without having to include a shortrange radio communication mechanism. By utilizing the same communicationchannel to perform both voice and data transfers, the accessory devicecan be designed as a simpler, cost efficient device. The walkie-talkiefeature can be useful in communicating with one or more persons withoutaccessing the cellular network and incurring costly air time charges.The walkie-talkie feature can also be useful when the cellular networkcoverage is poor. In addition, the walkie-talkie feature can be usefulfor a parent to quickly communicating with his/her child nearby but outof view (e.g., in the next building). The parent's mobile handset 950can be in communication with multiple accessory devices 900 inwalkie-talkie mode. In such implementations, each child can be issuedthe accessory device 900 only and not the mobile handset 950. When theparent and his/her children wish to communicate, they can simply talk toeach other over the short range wireless connection (e.g., each childcommunicating with the accessory device 900), without incurring air timecharges. The accessory device 900 and the host device 950 can bedesigned to provide a warning signal, such as a beep, to alert theparent and child the devices are moving out of range from each other.

In one implementation, the same design can cover both the long rangecommunication needs of a child physically removed from the parent, suchas when he or she is on a field trip and the parent is at work; and theshort range communication needs of parent and child while they are closebut not within ear shot of each other. An accessory device 900 equippedwith a wireless link such as a Bluetooth link may be used in one of twomodes—the first mode operates the host device 950 to make calls over thecellular network, servicing the child's long range communication needs;the second mode establishes a walkie-talkie connection between theaccessory device 900 held by the child, and the host device 950 held bythe parent, servicing the parent and child's short range communicationneeds.

Having multiple accessory devices 900 in communication with a hostdevice 950 can be useful in other instances. For example, a group ofchildren traveling together on a field trip under the supervision of anadult (e.g., a teacher) can communication with each other using thisimplementation. The supervising adult can be equipped with the hostdevice 950 (e.g., a conventional mobile handset), and each of thechildren can be equipped with an accessory device 900 in walkie-talkiemode. By relying on voice communication and a warning indicator (asdescribed above), the supervising adult can keep track of all childrenwith ease. Such an implementation can be applied in various settings,such as in a crowded mall, a sports arena, etc.

In some implementations, the accessory device 900 is implemented toincorporate special product design elements to appeal to the aestheticdesires of children or other target demographics. For example, licensedcharacters (e.g., cartoon characters) can be incorporated into thedesign of the housing for the accessory device 900. The design elementscan make the accessory device 900 more attractive to children. FIG. 9shows two accessory devices 900 having different design elements.

In some implementations, the accessory device 900 is prepackaged withapplication software, such as a game application, together withappropriate user interface elements to run the gaming software. Forexample, the accessory device 900 could include a visual display (notshown) and gaming controls (not shown). In such implementations, theaccessory device 900 can also function as a hand held gaming device.Alternatively, the accessory device 900 could include gaming controls(not shown) that can be used to control games running on a host device(950). In such implementations, the gaming application may be deliveredfrom the accessory device 900 to the host device 950 in its entirety, orthe gaming application may run partially on the accessory device 900 andpartially on the host device 950, with a real time bidirectional datalink maintained between the two for the duration that the game isrunning. Further detail of this implementation may be found inco-pending application XX/XXXXXX filed concurrently with the presentdisclosure, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some implementations, the accessory device 900 is designed to includea global positioning system (GPS) unit that may allow the parent tolocate and track the movement of children. The GPS unit can beimplemented in conjunction with the walkie-talkie feature to enhance theability of the parent to keep track of his/her children and to instantlycommunicate with them. FIG. 9 f illustrates the GPS implementation. Aparent equipped with a mobile handset 950 can search for and identifythe location of his/her child carrying a accessory device 900. Furtherdetail of this implementation may be found in co-pending applicationXX/XXXXXX filed concurrently with the present disclosure, which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

An accessory device as described in this specification can be designedto benefit segments of the population other than young children. Forexample, elderly people with reduced visual acuity could benefit from aaccessory device designed with oversized buttons mapped to inputfunctions of a conventional mobile handset. Alternatively, peoplesuffering from diminished language or communication skills may benefitfrom using a simplified version of an accessory device with simplebuttons mapped to input functions that instantly establishes acommunication link with either a host device or another accessory devicein possession of a caregiver. Further, People with diminished verbalskills can be equipped with an accessory device having customized userinput elements optimized for text-messaging.

Moreover, the input accelerator device described herein can beimplemented as a “Master” device in communication link with multiple“Slave” or host devices. The user can easily switch from one host deviceto another easily just by selecting the desired host device from a listof host devices that may be displayed on a screen or LC disposed on theinput accelerator device. For example, a user can selectively control ahost device, such as a cellular phone, to answer a phone call using theinput accelerator device. While talking to the caller using the headset700, the user can put the caller on hold and look up an e-mail addressfrom another host device, such as a PDA by selectively controlling thePDA. After retrieving the e-mail address, the user can return to thephone conversation by selectively switching back to controlling thecellular phone.

In any of the above implementations, active and/or passive tactilefeedback may be implemented. To provide passive tactile feedback, theinput elements of the first and/or second input assemblies may becombined with a palpable detent, such as a dome cap or dome spring sothat a user can tactilely perceive, through his fingers or thumbs,activation and/or deactivation of an input element. In oneimplementation, among others, the palpable detent may be positionedbetween the actuator and sensor components of the input elements. Toprovide active tactile feedback, one ore more vibratory units or forceproducing units may be mounted in the hand-held electronic device andactivated to provide tap or index level or other information to a user.The vibratory unit may be an electric motor with an eccentric massattached to the motor's shaft, a solenoid, a variable reluctance device,a loud speaker or any other vibrator that can provide tactile feedback.A force producing unit may be a solenoid in non-vibratory mode, a motor,non-vibratory actuators or any other actuator that can produce forces. Avibratory unit and/or force producing unit may be provided for eachinput element. In that case, the vibratory unit and/or force producingunit may be mounted below the input element so that when the vibratoryunit and/or force producing unit is activated, the vibratory unit and/orforce producing unit can push out the surface of the electronic deviceto a different level or position depending on the information to becommunicated. Thus, in implementations using a pressure sensor pad ortouch-pad as the input element, a stepped array may be configured toindicate higher and higher levels of index positions across the touchpad or pressure sensor pad. The vibratory units and/or force producingunits may also be used to provide tactile feedback to indicate themomentary achievement of an objective, such as target lock in gameapplications. Tactile feedback may also be accomplished by actuators,such as a solenoid, which changes the stiffness of the input elementelectronically or pushes against the user's hand or fingers to indicatean event of interest in the software application.

The computational aspects described here can be implemented in analog ordigital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware,software, or in combinations of them. Where appropriate, aspects ofthese systems and techniques can be implemented in a computer programproduct tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device forexecution by a programmable processor; and method steps can be performedby a programmable processor executing a program of instructions toperform functions by operating on input data and generating output.

The systems and techniques described above may utilize the biomechanicsof the thumb and fingers, i.e., it uses the function of opposition, thefine motor control of the fingers, and the larger range of motion andstronger actuation provided by the thumb. By using the fingers and thumbin concert, the number of taps and time needed to accomplish a givenfunction is reduced, the accuracy is improved, and the naturalprogramming inherent in the human hand replaces the training requiredfor other systems.

A number of implementations have been described. Other implementationsmay include different or additional features. For example, otherconfigurations of the one or more input elements of the front, rear andside input assemblies may be realized. Also, the input acceleratordevices described herein may have more or less than six planar orcontoured surfaces. Moreover, the number of input elements in the inputassemblies are not limited to the number of input elements described inthe implementations above. Also, the one or more input elements of theinput assemblies may be any input or selection type known to one ofskill in the art, such as keys, buttons, touch pads, other types ofpads, rockers, sliders, dials, contact sensors or other actuatorsassociated with any sensor. Each sensor associated with an actuator mayinclude digital momentary on/off switches or analog sensors, such aspressure sensors (e.g., force sensitive resistors, piezoelectric filmsensors, or capacitive sensors), or positional sensors (e.g., rotary orlinear potentiometers or encoders), or other analog sensors known tothose of ordinary skill, or accelerometers or gyroscopes. The inputassemblies may include a combination of these different types of inputor selection elements, which may be mounted in the configurations shownin the figures or imbedded within the device to permit control throughmotion of the overall device.

Further, other implementations of the hybrid auxiliary inputacceleration device are possible. People already carry around existingaccessory devices, which can be instrumented with additional sensors toprovide additional input signals to the host device for inputacceleration. Devices carried in the purse, in the wallet, or on akeychain are ideal because these devices already serve another primaryfunction, and providing input acceleration via these devices may resultin a convergent accelerator device that substantially improves userexperience without increasing the number of items that a person needs tocarry around. Like the standalone remote control implementation, theseconvergent input accelerator devices may communicate with the hostdevice wirelessly through a Bluetooth protocol or wirelessly through arough-line-of-sight infrared link. Alternatively, the convergent inputaccelerator devices may physically plug into the host device viaconnectors already present in the host device, such as a headset jack orone of many data ports described above.

In another implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator device may bea car key with a remote keyless entry device, which is a common devicethat most people carry on their keychain. The remote keyless entrydevice already has a button, a radio frequency (RF) link, and an onboard processor to transmit security information from the remote keylessentry device to a host vehicle to open a door, window, or a trunk; alterclimate control settings; or control any other vehicle functionsremotely. Most remote keyless entry devices are also small in size andpossess comfortable form factor. One or more input assemblies includingbuttons, touchpads, or continuous sensor strips may be integrated intothe remote keyless entry device to convert it into a hybrid device,which may function as an input accelerator device for a host device. Thehybrid remote keyless entry input accelerator device can communicatewith the host device using a Bluetooth protocol, a long range RFprotocol, or Infrared protocol.

In yet another implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator devicemay be a remote garage door opener. While these remote openers typicallytend to be clipped to the visor in a car, they can also be moreminiature in size and carried on a keychain. These devices can easily beaugmented to have buttons and sensors appropriate for use as an inputaccelerator device for host device.

In one implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator device may be aprogrammable radio frequency identification (RFID) keyfob. Today, manyworkers gain access to their secure workplace via an RFID keyfob. Thecircuitry in such a keyfob may be housed inside an input acceleratorwith buttons, sensor arrays and a wireless communication protocol to beused as an auxiliary input accelerator device to the host device.

In another implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator device may bea smartcard. In Europe and Asia, contactless, wireless smartcards basedon similar technologies as the RFID keyfob are increasingly being usedfor a variety of commerce transactions. For example, in District ofColumbia Metro Subway System, every terminal is smartcard enabled andpeople can pay for their subway rides by waving their wallet containinga prepaid smartcard in front of a grounded receptor. Such smartcard maybe incorporated into an input accelerator device that may be carried ona keychain. Thus, the smartcard input accelerator may be used to augmentinteractions with a host device as well as serve as the primary mode ofidentification and payment in everyday life.

In yet another implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator devicemay be a universal remote control device. A pocket size universal remotecontrol device with soft keys may be configured to control all standardhome entertainment devices such as televisions, DVD players, VHSplayers, and sound systems in addition to a host device such as acellular phone. He universal remote control device may either use thesame infrared link to communicate with home entertainment devices andwith the cellular phone, or it may communicate with the cellular phoneusing another wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth protocol.

In yet another implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator devicemay be a digital wristwatch incorporating the functionality of the inputaccelerator device. Digital wrist watches, especially running orexercise watches, typically have a digital display and a number ofbuttons for tracking lap times, heart rate and other importantbiostatistics. They also typically have a larger surface area thantypical wrist watches. These watches may readily be programmed andretrofitted with optional additional sensor arrays to be used as aninput accelerator for the host device.

In one implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator device may be anMP3 device such as an iPod. While multimedia content delivery on themobile platform is becoming a norm, currently many people still carry aseparate MP3 player for listening to music. The iPod or other MP3players already incorporate sensors and buttons, which may be easilyaugmented to be used as the input accelerator device for interfacingwith the host device, such as a cellular phone. The MP3 player mayconnect to the host device using an existing or added wireless protocol,such as Bluetooth.

In one implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator device may be anultimate wireless converged remote controller device. Some or all of theabove implementations may be combined into a single converged inputaccelerator device, The form factor of the device may be a keyfob formfactor to go on a key chain, a wrist watch form factor to go on thewrist, or any other miniature form factor that facilitate portability.The ultimate converged remote controller device may perform all of thefollowing functions in addition to controlling any additional devicespossessing a short or long range wireless link. The ultimate convergedremote controller device may function as an input accelerator forcellular phones, with keys and optional sensor arrays; a remote keylessentry device with a long range RF circuitry; a remote garage dooropener; a RFID keyfob with a short range passive RF circuitry; asmartcard for identification and commerce with a short range passive RFcircuitry; an universal remote controller device for home entertainmentsystems; and/or any other auxiliary functions people may want toincorporate.

Moreover, the methods to provide data input, device control or gamecontrol may be performed in a different order and still achievedesirable results. Accordingly, other implementations are within thescope of the following claims.

Moreover, the input accelerator device described herein can beimplemented as a “Master” device in communication link with multiple“Slave” or host devices. The user can easily switch from one host deviceto another easily just by selecting the desired host device from a listof host devices that may be displayed on a screen or LC disposed on theinput accelerator device. For example, a user can selectively control ahost device, such as a cellular phone, to answer a phone call using theinput accelerator device. While talking to the caller using the headset700, the user can put the caller on hold and look up an e-mail addressfrom another host device, such as a PDA by selectively controlling thePDA. After retrieving the e-mail address, the user can return to thephone conversation by selectively switching back to controlling thecellular phone.

In any of the above implementations, active and/or passive tactilefeedback may be implemented. To provide passive tactile feedback, theinput elements of the first and/or second input assemblies may becombined with a palpable detent, such as a dome cap or dome spring sothat a user can tactilely perceive, through his fingers or thumbs,activation and/or deactivation of an input element. In oneimplementation, among others, the palpable detent may be positionedbetween the actuator and sensor components of the input elements. Toprovide active tactile feedback, one ore more vibratory units or forceproducing units may be mounted in the hand-held electronic device andactivated to provide tap or index level or other information to a user.The vibratory unit may be an electric motor with an eccentric massattached to the motor's shaft, a solenoid, a variable reluctance device,a loud speaker or any other vibrator that can provide tactile feedback.A force producing unit may be a solenoid in non-vibratory mode, a motor,non-vibratory actuators or any other actuator that can produce forces. Avibratory unit and/or force producing unit may be provided for eachinput element. In that case, the vibratory unit and/or force producingunit may be mounted below the input element so that when the vibratoryunit and/or force producing unit is activated, the vibratory unit and/orforce producing unit can push out the surface of the electronic deviceto a different level or position depending on the information to becommunicated. Thus, in implementations using a pressure sensor pad ortouch-pad as the input element, a stepped array may be configured toindicate higher and higher levels of index positions across the touchpad or pressure sensor pad. The vibratory units and/or force producingunits may also be used to provide tactile feedback to indicate themomentary achievement of an objective, such as target lock in gameapplications. Tactile feedback may also be accomplished by actuators,such as a solenoid, which changes the stiffness of the input elementelectronically or pushes against the user's hand or fingers to indicatean event of interest in the software application.

The computational aspects described here can be implemented in analog ordigital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware,software, or in combinations of them. Where appropriate, aspects ofthese systems and techniques can be implemented in a computer programproduct tangibly embodied in a machine-readable storage device forexecution by a programmable processor; and method steps can be performedby a programmable processor executing a program of instructions toperform functions by operating on input data and generating output.

The systems and techniques described above may utilize the biomechanicsof the thumb and fingers, i.e., it uses the function of opposition, thefine motor control of the fingers, and the larger range of motion andstronger actuation provided by the thumb. By using the fingers and thumbin concert, the number of taps and time needed to accomplish a givenfunction is reduced, the accuracy is improved, and the naturalprogramming inherent in the human hand replaces the training requiredfor other systems.

A number of implementations have been described. Other implementationsmay include different or additional features. For example, otherconfigurations of the one or more input elements of the front, rear andside input assemblies may be realized. Also, the input acceleratordevices described herein may have more or less than six planar orcontoured surfaces. Moreover, the number of input elements in the inputassemblies are not limited to the number of input elements described inthe implementations above. Also, the one or more input elements of theinput assemblies may be any input or selection type known to one ofskill in the art, such as keys, buttons, touch pads, other types ofpads, rockers, sliders, dials, contact sensors or other actuatorsassociated with any sensor. Each sensor associated with an actuator mayinclude digital momentary on/off switches or analog sensors, such aspressure sensors (e.g., force sensitive resistors, piezoelectric filmsensors, or capacitive sensors), or positional sensors (e.g., rotary orlinear potentiometers or encoders), or other analog sensors known tothose of ordinary skill, or accelerometers or gyroscopes. The inputassemblies may include a combination of these different types of inputor selection elements, which may be mounted in the configurations shownin the figures or imbedded within the device to permit control throughmotion of the overall device.

Further, other implementations of the hybrid auxiliary inputacceleration device are possible. People already carry around existingaccessory devices, which can be instrumented with additional sensors toprovide additional input signals to the host device for inputacceleration. Devices carried in the purse, in the wallet, or on akeychain are ideal because these devices already serve another primaryfunction, and providing input acceleration via these devices may resultin a convergent accelerator device that substantially improves userexperience without increasing the number of items that a person needs tocarry around. Like the standalone remote control implementation, theseconvergent input accelerator devices may communicate with the hostdevice wirelessly through a Bluetooth protocol or wirelessly through arough-line-of-sight infrared link. Alternatively, the convergent inputaccelerator devices may physically plug into the host device viaconnectors already present in the host device, such as a headset jack orone of many data ports described above.

In another implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator device may bea car key with a remote keyless entry device, which is a common devicethat most people carry on their keychain. The remote keyless entrydevice already has a button, a radio frequency (RF) link, and an onboard processor to transmit security information from the remote keylessentry device to a host vehicle to open a door, window, or a trunk; alterclimate control settings; or control any other vehicle functionsremotely. Most remote keyless entry devices are also small in size andpossess comfortable form factor. One or more input assemblies includingbuttons, touchpads, or continuous sensor strips may be integrated intothe remote keyless entry device to convert it into a hybrid device,which may function as an input accelerator device for a host device. Thehybrid remote keyless entry input accelerator device can communicatewith the host device using a Bluetooth protocol, a long range RFprotocol, or Infrared protocol.

In yet another implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator devicemay be a remote garage door opener. While these remote openers typicallytend to be clipped to the visor in a car, they can also be moreminiature in size and carried on a keychain. These devices can easily beaugmented to have buttons and sensors appropriate for use as an inputaccelerator device for host device.

In one implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator device may be aprogrammable radio frequency identification (RFID) keyfob. Today, manyworkers gain access to their secure workplace via an RFID keyfob. Thecircuitry in such a keyfob may be housed inside an input acceleratorwith buttons, sensor arrays and a wireless communication protocol to beused as an auxiliary input accelerator device to the host device.

In another implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator device may bea smartcard. In Europe and Asia, contactless, wireless smartcards basedon similar technologies as the RFID keyfob are increasingly being usedfor a variety of commerce transactions. For example, in District ofColumbia Metro Subway System, every terminal is smartcard enabled andpeople can pay for their subway rides by waving their wallet containinga prepaid smartcard in front of a grounded receptor. Such smartcard maybe incorporated into an input accelerator device that may be carried ona keychain. Thus, the smartcard input accelerator may be used to augmentinteractions with a host device as well as serve as the primary mode ofidentification and payment in everyday life.

In yet another implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator devicemay be a universal remote control device. A pocket size universal remotecontrol device with soft keys may be configured to control all standardhome entertainment devices such as televisions, DVD players, VHSplayers, and sound systems in addition to a host device such as acellular phone. He universal remote control device may either use thesame infrared link to communicate with home entertainment devices andwith the cellular phone, or it may communicate with the cellular phoneusing another wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth protocol.

In yet another implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator devicemay be a digital wristwatch incorporating the functionality of the inputaccelerator device. Digital wrist watches, especially running orexercise watches, typically have a digital display and a number ofbuttons for tracking lap times, heart rate and other importantbiostatistics. They also typically have a larger surface area thantypical wrist watches. These watches may readily be programmed andretrofitted with optional additional sensor arrays to be used as aninput accelerator for the host device.

In one implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator device may be anMP3 device such as an iPod. While multimedia content delivery on themobile platform is becoming a norm, currently many people still carry aseparate MP3 player for listening to music. The iPod or other MP3players already incorporate sensors and buttons, which may be easilyaugmented to be used as the input accelerator device for interfacingwith the host device, such as a cellular phone. The MP3 player mayconnect to the host device using an existing or added wireless protocol,such as Bluetooth.

In one implementation, the auxiliary input accelerator device may be anultimate wireless converged remote controller device. Some or all of theabove implementations may be combined into a single converged inputaccelerator device, The form factor of the device may be a keyfob formfactor to go on a key chain, a wrist watch form factor to go on thewrist, or any other miniature form factor that facilitate portability.The ultimate converged remote controller device may perform all of thefollowing functions in addition to controlling any additional devicespossessing a short or long range wireless link. The ultimate convergedremote controller device may function as an input accelerator forcellular phones, with keys and optional sensor arrays; a remote keylessentry device with a long range RF circuitry; a remote garage dooropener; a RFID keyfob with a short range passive RF circuitry; asmartcard for identification and commerce with a short range passive RFcircuitry; an universal remote controller device for home entertainmentsystems; and/or any other auxiliary functions people may want toincorporate.

Moreover, the methods to provide data input, device control or gamecontrol may be performed in a different order and still achievedesirable results. Accordingly, other implementations are within thescope of the following claims.

1. An accessory device for interfacing with a mobile host device, theaccessory device comprising: a communication channel operable toestablish a bidirectional communication link between the accessorydevice and the host device; a processor communicatively coupled to thecommunication channel, the processor operable to execute a plurality ofapplications; and an input assembly communicatively coupled to theprocessor, the input assembly configured to minimize a total number ofinput elements included in the input assembly, at least a first inputelement being selectively mapped to one or more input functions of thehost device based on a user selection.
 2. The accessory device of claim1, further comprising an output unit communicatively coupled to theprocessor, the output unit configured to output an output data based ona user activation of at least the first input element.
 3. The accessorydevice of claim 1, wherein the output unit further comprises aspeakerphone.
 4. The accessory device of claim 1, further comprising astorage unit communicatively coupled to the communication channel, thestorage unit configured to store a plurality of data.
 5. The accessorydevice of claim 1, wherein the communication channel is furtherconfigured to transmit both data and voice communication.
 6. Theaccessory device of claim 1, wherein the communication channel isconfigured to interface with one or more additional accessory devices.7. The accessory device of claim 1, further comprising a globalpositioning system (GPS) unit communicatively coupled to the processor,the GPS unit configured to transmit positioning data of the accessorydevice to the host device.
 8. The accessory device of claim 1, whereinthe input assembly is further configured to optimize a biomechanicaleffect of the human user's opposing thumb and fingers.
 9. The accessorydevice of claim 1, wherein the communication channel further comprises awireless data connection including at least one of a Bluetoothconnection, an Infrared connection, a Wi-Fi connection, and a WiMAXconnection.
 10. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the storageunit comprises a removable memory unit including one selected from agroup of a SD memory card, a mini-SD memory card, a micro-SD memorycard, and a compact flash card.
 11. A method for configuring anaccessory device, the method comprising: providing a communicationchannel configured to transmit data bi-directionally between a hostdevice and the accessory device; providing a storage unitcommunicatively coupled to the communication channel, the storage unitconfigured to store one or more data; disposing on one or more surfacesan input assembly comprising a plurality of input elements configured toreceive human input through manipulation of the input elements, whereinat least one of the input elements is further configured to beselectively mapped to one or more functions of the host device; andproviding an accessory processor communicatively coupled to the storageunit, the communication channel, and the input assembly, wherein theaccessory processor is configured to execute the one or more data. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein disposing the input assembly on one ormore surfaces further comprises disposing at least a first inputassembly configured to optimize a biomechanical effect of the humanuser's opposing thumb and fingers.
 13. The method of claim 11, whereinproviding the communication channel further comprises configuring thecommunication channel to transmit data and voice communication.
 14. Amethod of controlling a plurality of host devices, the methodcomprising: providing an accessory device comprising: a communicationchannel configured to transmit data bidirectionally between theplurality of host devices and the accessory device, a storage unitcommunicatively coupled to the communication channel, the storage unitconfigured to store a plurality of data, an input assembly comprising aplurality of input elements, at least a first input element beingconfigured to be selectively mapped to one or more input functions ofthe host device, and a processor communicatively coupled to thecommunication channel and the input assembly, wherein the processor isoperable to process one or more data; and actuating at least the firstinput element to control at least a first selectively mapped function ofthe host device using the communication channel.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein providing the accessory device further comprises configuringthe input assembly to include at least a first input assembly comprisingat least the first input element, the first input element being locatedon a first surface; and wherein the first input assembly is furtherconfigured to optimize a biomechanical effect of the human user'sopposing thumb and fingers.
 16. The method of claim 14, whereinproviding the accessory device further comprising providing an outputunit communicatively coupled to the processor, the output unitconfigured to output an output data based on a user activation of atleast one input element.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein providingthe output unit further comprises providing a speakerphone.
 18. Themethod of claim 14, wherein providing the accessory device furthercomprises configuring the communication channel to transmit both dataand voice communication.
 19. The accessory device of claim 14, whereinproviding the accessory device further comprises configuring thecommunication channel to interface with one or more additional accessorydevices.
 20. The accessory device of claim 14, wherein providing theaccessory device further comprises providing a global positioning system(GPS) unit communicatively coupled to the processor, the GPS unitconfigured to transmit positioning data of the accessory device to thehost device.